Project Information – With the goal to re-define the notion of the ‘Florida House’ for the 21st century, we explore the concept of integrating affordability and sustainability in the design of single-family infill housing for neighborhoods and communities throughout Florida. The home is 1,500 square foot air conditioned area including living/ dining space, kitchen, three bedrooms, two bathrooms, utility/laundry space, garage/ carport. Sustainable features and elements of “universal design” are incorporated into the solution. The concept is designed for typical lot dimensions of at least 30 feet wide and 130 feet deep, with 5-foot side yard setbacks and 10-foot front & rear setbacks.

Design Solution – Our goal in this project was to construct a concept which formed multiple possibilities. These concepts would work to efficiently utilize the compact lot dimensions along with the needs of the required program. We decided to use shipping containers due to their sustainable, affordable and mobile qualities. We arranged the containers in a way to utilize the open spaces left between the containers and minimize the need for other enclosure. The containers are use modules containing the private rooms of the household and could be rearranged to accommodate different family needs. The container modules, steel frames, structural insulated panels and kitchen boxes are prefabricated offsite. On-site construction will be minimal, consisting of foundations and assembly of the parts. Slab on grade is used for the main living space (kitchen/living room) only, while the shipping containers rest on permeable ballast, which will double as hardscape. There are green wall systems, which include customizable louvers, screens, and green panels that can be arranged according to program along the facades of the structure. This will act as a double facade, allowing air space between the main facade, circulating hot air away. The green wall system is fitted with a harvested water irrigation system with vapor misters that decrease the air temperature within the air space. The green modules will boast edible plants and seasonal flowers. The roof acts as a water harvesting system, water flows toward a water wall on one end of the main living space, flowing down the wall and into a cistern. When the cistern becomes full, the backflow valve shuts off, allowing water to flow into a reflection reservoir around the living space. The roof also houses solar chimneys that permit natural ventilation throughout the home and is solar capable.